What is 17-year-old Josiah Duggar up to these days? He is still away at the International ALERT Academy, a Christan training and service organization located in Big Sandy, Texas. The rest of the Duggar family paid him a visit this weekend.
Josiah Duggar and Jinger Duggar
Aww.. So cute I love the Duggar family I wish I could meet them one day.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could meet the family
DeleteJinger is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteWow How long has he been there and how long is the program? I knew he went but that feels like it's been awhile ago.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update on one of the boys. Great job Josiah God bless you as finish your training!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful family!
ReplyDeleteNice to hear from the rest of the duggar kids
I wonder who is next in line for courtship!!!
nice to hear about the updates. i hope he can do some type of mission work. The duggars need to do mission work. the kids are older and should be going out somewhere. without mom and dad following them.
ReplyDeleteThey do mission work all the time. They just did a mission trip two weeks ago. And the parents go cause they usually bring younger one along.
DeleteThese boys have grown to be such handsome young men.It's nice to hear about what the rest of the family is up to.I actually want the summer to wiz by so the new season starts.At least i can start my day with re-runs at 6 am on TLC :-)
ReplyDeleteJills house is so pretty, i love her kitchen floor.Im so happy for her :-) :-) :-)
ReplyDeleteWhy is he still there? What is this intense training for? He isn't in the "real official military" and it doesn't count towards anything. Why don't they let their son join the real military and have a future career in that? It would bring him into the real world and have to interact with all people. That's why. So sad that this family believes that the military is for "other peoples' children".
ReplyDeleteIm sure he chose that path himself. The Duggars have alot of respect for the military and I am sure they would back their child if they felt that is where God was leading them. I don't ever remember them saying the militarty was for "other people".
DeleteFor a second when I saw the picture, I though Josiah was courting!
ReplyDeleteHow long has he been there for?
ReplyDeleteHi Lily and Ellie! Are the Duggars working on another book, or planning on visiting a place to meet up with fans? If so, where can I find this information?
ReplyDeleteHaha...for a second I thought this might be a courtship announcement for Jinger when I didn't recognize Josiah right away.
ReplyDeleteHa ha meeeeee tooooo
DeleteHow sweet that they paid a visit! Jinger is soooo beautiful!! Goodness!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, who is wondering why he doesn't just join the military. Don't forget Josiah is only 17. Not old enough yet for the military. And the program he is in gives all kinds of life skills that he can use in many different fields depending on what he wants to do when he gets done. The training includes things like mechanics, electrical, search and rescue, and more. And if he wishes he can easily transition into a career in the military if he so chooses. I know others who went through this training and then joined the military and were glad for it. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Josiah! Great accomplishment! You look strong and alive!
ReplyDeleteWhat does that mean (6) 'without Mom and Dad following them'? If my parents neglected me in my adult ventures I would feel alone and cut off. Children want their parents involvement.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteThe comment ALERT training isn't 'in reality' is just not true. Peace to all of good will.
@Shela G
ReplyDeleteAmen!
Plan to not just be a spectator...
ReplyDeleteFrom now on I want to let the Duggars to truly influence and change me for the better.
Love Jinger's dress and Josiah is so handsome!
ReplyDeleteOur son was acutally away to the Quest program, just returning last weekend. He was able to meet one of the other Duggar boys who was a leader at Quest and became good buddies. He got to meet and hang out with Josiah as well (he had arrived already for the ALERT program) and said he is exactly the way you see him on tv, a real jokester, he thought the boys were just unbelievably real, enjoyable to be around.
ReplyDeleteWe do not have tv and were unaware of who the Duggars were until we stumbled upon their show while away from home about 4 months ago. What a delightful family! So proud of what they stand for and that they haven't become desensitized, especially as young people.
As a plug for the ALERT Academy and Quest program, it was an excellent experience for our son. Someone earlier asked why Josiah has been gone so long, there are a few different programs lasting as long as 3 - 9week programs. Based on our son, who absolutely loved it and desires to return for the long haul to acheive certain educational qualifications and certifications. If your curious hop on line and check it out.
For those who don't understand what ALERT is all about, please refrain from any negative opinions or comments. Educate yourself first, you would be amazed at all Josiah is doing!
ReplyDeletewhat I mean is let their older children live their own lives. no one on this board thinks its odd the older children live at home and have no jobs? what are they doing? and please stop telling me I am wrong?
ReplyDeleteQuiet a few of the older duggar children have had jobs or owned businesses and or runned for office which is a whole lot more that what I can say for a lot of young people. The two of the girls are training to become midwives, Josh owned a car lot while at home and John David owned or owns a towning company he I think he ran for county council too if memory service. The Duggars are contributing members of society but that is very clear to most after watching a few episodes.
DeleteThey help around the house and its a big family and they like to be around each other. Do you blame them? Its not right or wrong either way...all just your opinion.
DeleteFYI: John & Joseph own a towing business and are volunteer firefighters as well as Jana finishing up her training as a doola.
DeleteThey are letting them live their lives. How is what they do any different than kids going to college on the parents bill? These kids are getting to explore and travel and learn more than most us were allowed because they still under the guidance of their parents. Jana and John David have gone on mission trips to Asia alone, Jill is under apprenticeship to be a mid wife, Josiah for all intensive purposes is at college, John David is a constable. Jinger and Jessa babysit out side the family, if I'm not mistaken, one of them is a paid photographer. Just because it's not conventional doesn't mean it's not right.
DeleteLily and Ellie,
ReplyDeleteI would love if we could know more about how Jess and Ben are doing. Not just pictures of them but info!
Thanks,
Kate
@anonymous 23: I wonder every day! If my four adult kids, who are younger than the Duggars older ones, still lived at home without jobs or plans , I would wonder if I did something totally wrong with them, there is more than mariage or caring younger siblings.
ReplyDeleteJohn-David owns his own towing company, Jana is studying to be a doula, Jessa and Jinger are photographers, Joseph works for John-David, Josiah is away at ALERT....Joy-Anna is only 16, surely we can't expect her or any of those younger than she is to work outside of the home. There are many unmarried young adults who live at home with their parents. The Duggars just happen to have many of them, because they have many children. Nothing wrong with what they are doing.
ReplyDeletethe fact the older children live at home may seem odd to mainstream American culture, it is the accepted norm in many cultures around the world.
ReplyDeleteDo the boys in the family have to go to Alert ? Or do they want to go??
ReplyDeleteSeems like it could be positive but hard .
Great pic of the kids! The program has a good reputation and helps participants grow from within while earning certification in different programs. I've heard there is nothing easy about it and it pushes you to your limits in some programs to succeed and face yourself. It appears it is standard for most males of the family to participate.
ReplyDeleteIn regard to the older children living at home, if they are anything like ours a warm bed and plenty of food are both great motivators to stay put. We downsized and they still came home...
There are older siblings that are volunteer firemen, they are carpenters for the homestead and rental properties. I am sure there are other aspects of their lives but they do not have to really spill all to their viewers as we are on the outside looking in.
Thank you for sharing the great update and responding to our requests to hear more about the other kids this summer.
Canada
Excellent job Josiah, this family is a wonderful inspiration to many.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see some updates on the other kids!! Josiah is doing a great job!! I hope he enjoys what he is doing and receives grace and blessings for all he does!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE Jinger's dress!!! I wish I had one like it!! I wonder if she is actually wearing a singlet top underneath or whether that is built in to the dress?? Go Jinger! I'm all the way for modesty!!
The Duggars aren't anti-military and I believe the Duggars have stated before that they would back any of their children who do decide to join the military. They greatly respect the military. However, they know that the military isn't for everyone and allow their children to choose if they want to join the military or not. It's the same thing with college. The Duggars aren't anti-college, but know that not everyone needs to go to college with what they decide to do. This being said, Jim Bob and Michelle would probably advise each of their children against doing something that would harm them. Even for their children over eighteen, they still want to protect them. It is ultimately their own children's' decisions, though which Jim Bob and Michelle very much support. God Bless you all!
ReplyDeletewhat about the other older duggar boys
ReplyDeleteI've read so many mixed reviews on the ALERT program. Kristi, thanks for giving info. Did you say there was a 1-year program? Or is Josiah in some kind of phase 2? I remember when Joseph went, he did 10 weeks.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad his family got to visit him. I guess that quells the rumor that families aren't allowed to see their sons during the program. Or was it dependent on their behavior?
Hopefully we get another update in a month when he turns 18 and comes of age. Blessings on you, Josiah
I would love 2 meet this family sometime...they have inspired me so much! :)
ReplyDeleteAnyone else think Josiah is the spitting image of his mama? I definitely see a resemblance!
ReplyDeleteTo the sweet poster who wants to let the Duggars truly change him or her, I can't think of too many better examples, but I will add that always remember that Christ is our exemplar, he is the perfect one, and we are to follow him the Duggars are amazing examples, but only Christ can change your heart and help you become more like him. I pray that you will be blessed as you seek out your Lord and Savior and put him out in front. What a sweet blessing you are and how precious to your father in heaven. Love and God bless.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteHe's only 17 years old.....not military age yet!
Great job Josiah !!! Hope you are having fun :)
ReplyDelete-Brittany
You can join the military at 17 with parental consent. Not that he's joining but the comment that he's only 17 doesn't mean anything. My sister joined at 17 since she graduated earl so it's possible if that's what he wanted
ReplyDeleteI agree. This board is all about happy I Love You Duggar's comments.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 23: John David has his own tow truck business and is a pilot in training and has gone on missions without the other Duggars, Jana is studying to be a doula (she might already be done training), Jill is near the end of midwifery training and just got married. These three also had First Responder training. Jessa and Jinger do photography on the side. From oldest to Justin they have gone on many missions abroad and in the states. There is no hard and fast rule that says they must move out at 18 just because society says they are adults at 18. They have shown they aren't just sitting idle at home without jobs.
ReplyDeleteWhy are the Duggar girls only allowed to wear cheap flip flops and outdated hokey cowboy boots, when the Duggar men can wear any shoes they want to wear? Can we see the Duggar girls in shoes other than flip flops and cowboy boots?
ReplyDeleteIt's great they are still at home if single. After graduating HS (homeschooled) they inter into some other training to prepare them for life and following them you would know who is doing what.
ReplyDeleteHi I love whatching the show.I was wanting to live the new season will be going on soon? I cannot wait until see and Derek's wedding it would be so fun to whatch.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Josiah! Great accomplishment! You look strong and alive!
ReplyDeletethis family is a wonderful inspiration to many.
So thankful for an update on one of the Duggar men! He would be an asset to any branch of the United States military when he turns 18.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 24 - you are wrong, although the children do live at home, they have jobs. I believe one owns his own tow truck company, and the girls have been studying to become midwives, etc. There is soooo many more positive things going on in that family than we see.
ReplyDeleteGood job Josiah!! Btw..... why did they shave his head??? It looks like hes bald!!!:( He looked really good when he had more hair and when he spiked it up. Just wondered:) :)
ReplyDelete#23, you are wrong. The older boys have their own businesses, one has a towing business, another a lawn business I think. As for the girls, Jana is a first responder and is schooling to be a doula(sp?) and Jinger does photography for births. Clearly you don't watch the show or you would know such things.
ReplyDelete#9, the kids can join the military if THEY choose to. It's a family not a cult for crying out loud.
did he make it to jill's wedding???
ReplyDeleteJinger looks so different now.
ReplyDeleteHe is cute a boy !:) sorry ... ( couldn't help it !!)
ReplyDeleteJohn David owns a towing company. Jill is/was studying to be a midwife. Jana a doula. The kids are doing things with their lives. Not just living at home doing nothing.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very cute picture!! As I read through the I comments I just realized why the negative comments and criticisms on this blog bother me so much. This family is a positive light in a world filled with lots of negativity. As the old saying goes, "everyone is a critic". I enjoy watching this family. I don't criticize them because I don't believe my life is above criticism. I would not like people posting negative comments about me, my family, my beliefs, my hair, clothing, etc., etc... Beyond that I don't think there is a lot to criticize, they seem to be doing great. Their choices do not have to be my choices. Live and let live, do unto others as you would have them do unto you....look at the sunny side of life...peace
ReplyDelete@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous 12,
You will find the details of the Duggars' upcoming events on our Appearances page (http://duggarsblog.blogspot.com/p/appearances.html).
Glad to have you as a reader. :)
Lily and Ellie
@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous 58,
Yep, Josiah made it to the wedding. He helped with crowd control. :)
~Lily and Ellie
@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteActually according to the military website the following are the requirements to join the military.
You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
You must be at least 17 years old (17-year old applicants require parental consent).
You must (with very few exceptions) have a high school diploma.
You must pass a physical medical exam.
Since Josiah has completed high school, is clearly fit enough to pass a physical of militaristic degree and is now 17 he is eligible for the military. The military will offer him skills based training as well as militaristic training and it also provides him with a career and an opportunity to serve this country. He is a bright young man who's family takes pride in being American, so I think that it would be a great outlet for him. It is much the same as this ALERT camp that he is attending but it provides him with an actual career path and an opportunity for a higher education in any field that he chooses. He could see this as an opportunity to be among people from different parts of the country with different backgrounds and different religious upbringings and learn from them. Plus he will be defending religious freedoms that people try to strip from this nation, allowing his family and others from different cultures to practice their religions without fear of persecution in the United States.
@AnonymousStop criticise the Duggers. Why don't you sign up for the military? Not every American join the military.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update on Josiah! He seems like a fine young man and handsome too! :)
ReplyDelete@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteIf there was a like I would, the person to whom the comment was made, thank-you!
I just hope they don't squash the 'theater' out of him! Go Josiah!
ReplyDeleteSaw you guys in Longview today and got to wish Josiah a happy birthday. Thanks Michele for taking time to take a picture with my granddaughter Nyla.
ReplyDeleteWhy wasn't he at his sisters wedding
ReplyDelete@Anonymous Why is one person saying how wonderful it is the older Duggar children live at home, but then attacks other families with an article about kids who come home after college to live with their parents until they can find a job and support themselves. I think we should be embracing everybody's lifestyles, not just the Duggars. If you want respect, then show respect, don't you think? We're a wonderful country that is filled with so much ethnicity, cultures, lifestyles, religions, all make the tapestry that is this beautiful country of ours that we should embrace all of them. None is better or "holier" than the next. Just my opinion, but I'd like to see those defending the Duggar's not attack other peoples choices in life. It only closes people off to an open dialogue. Having total control of adult children is unusual and the Duggar's have their religious reasons, so just explain to people what those reasons are.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous I wondered if Josiah had made it to Jill's wedding also. I didn't see him in any of the clips running up to or during the wedding show. I know he is at ALERT, but don't they make exceptions for boys to be there for such a momentous event like the first Duggar daughters' wedding?
ReplyDelete@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous 75,
Josiah attended and played an integral part in Jill's wedding, as well as Jessa's.
~Lily and Ellie
Josiah is so cute! He seems like a wonderful young man! I love that he serves the lord. (Wish we couod meet itd be a dream come true)
ReplyDeleteWhy don't the Duggars go off to a real get away from home college? Seems like they all do anything but that. Is college looked at by the Duggars as a sinful place?
ReplyDeleteWhy is going away from home to a college....not a home schooled college a bad idea for the Duggars?
ReplyDeleteDo all of the duggar girls have to wait until their father finds them a mate?
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that Amy Dugger does not wear a skirt all of the time? What happens when one of the girls says I don't want to wear a skirt, I want to wear some pants or jeans?
ReplyDeleteWill Jim Bob ever pick a person from another race for one of his daughters? Why not?
ReplyDeleteCurious about Josiah's conspicuous absence from recent shows. Even with being involved in ALERT, he is never mentioned or shown on the recent episodes of the show. It makes me concerned that they are trying to hide him for some reason. I hope this is not the case, as I generally like the Duggars and do not wish to think ill of them or their motives. But it sure does seem to this outsider that Josiah is being treated as if he is no longer part of the family. I know some other families in the circles the Duggars run in have used banishment as a form of punishment to deal with rebellious children. Again, I hope that's not what is happening here, but the more time that goes without even a mention of Josiah the more concerned I get.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous I also love Jinger's dress. Any idea where she got it?
ReplyDeleteI had the same concern that Amy #83 had about Josiah. I think it is a shame to go the whole season without seeing him or at least one of the parents giving a explanation why we did not see him. Josiah is too important to us, the viewers, to be left out and/or ignored for a whole season.
ReplyDelete